Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

Originally drafted 30th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2003, Shawn Belle was traded to the Dallas Stars the following year for goalie Jason Bacashihua. His junior career got started with the Regina Pats and he was traded to the Tri-City Americans in 2001. He has spent the last four seasons with the Americans, where he has become the team’s top all-around player. In his draft year, he was selected to participate in the 2003 CHL Top Prospects game. Belle has also spent extensive time with Team Canada’s junior program. He has played on two U-18 gold medals teams in 2002 and 2003 as well as the U-20 team in 2003 and 2004. The list also includes his participation in the 2003 and 2004 Canada-Russia Challenge, while representing Team WHL.

March 2006 Q&A with Belle.
2007-08: Belle powered his way through 63 games with the Houston Aeros (AHL), recording three points (1+2) and 74 minutes in the penalty box. He appeared in three playoff games with the Aeros, but was held scoreless.

Talent Analysis

Belle is a well-balanced skater who has good speed. He is very athletic, highly skilled and can play in all situations. He is good positional player when he wants to be. He has great height and weight distribution, though a little more muscle could never hurt. He is a very capable defenseman with the stick and has a big league shot. Even though he is a great two-way player, he shows his youthfulness by trying to do too much.

Future

Belle was acquired in return for the disappointing Corey Locke. And while Locke was all about offense -- and only offense -- Belle is the flip side of that coin. He has the talent to be a fifth or sixth d-man in the NHL, but looks to be a depth signing for the club. His experience may mean that he will be an injury call-up in the NHL, but don't expect him to lock down an NHL roster spot in the next couple of years.